Bojangles has named Byron Chandler its chief development officer, replacing Jose Costa, who has been given the new title of chief growth officer, the quick-service chicken chain said Monday.
Chandler spent nearly 20 years working for McDonald’s, most recently as the head of its new site acquisition team for the United States. Before that, he spent six years as real estate and construction manager for Yum Brands franchisee BurgerBusters.
While Chandler will focus on real estate acquisition, construction and design, Costa will be in charge of franchising nationally and abroad, the chain based in Charlotte, N.C., said. The new positions will go into effect June 7.
“With recent strategic growth announcements, it’s clear that demand for the Bojangles brand is growing,” Bojangles CEO Jose Armario said in a release announcing the changes. “Byron’s proven track record of leadership in restaurant development will further fuel our pipeline and strengthen our presence in new and existing markets.”
“Joining the Bojangles team is a natural fit for me,” Chandler, left, said. “They have great leadership, great employees, great food, a growing iconic brand with a culture of hospitality and authenticity. What’s not to get excited about? I am truly humbled to be part of this brand and look forward to working with Jose and the team to build on its success.”
Chandler received his undergraduate degree from Randolph-Macon College in Virginia and an MBA from the University of Mississippi.
Costa has led Bojangles’ franchise development for the past two years, including recent deals with Love’s Travel Stops and agreements with existing Bojangles franchisee Jeff Rigsy and Chaac Foods to expand in new and existing markets.
“There is nothing more important in our goal of becoming a Southern Powerhouse than securing experienced, high-quality franchisees to grow our brand,” Armario said. “Jose has done a great job in this area, and we look forward to continuing this momentum of strategic growth as he works closely with Byron.”
Chandler and Costa, left, will both report to Armario.
Bojangles Inc. operates and franchises approximately 760 restaurants in 14 states. It opened a net ten units in 2020 according to Datassential’s Firefly 500 report.
Contact Bret Thorn at [email protected]
Follow him on Twitter: @foodwriterdiary
